Christine Loÿs, author and filmmaker, is our guest tonight. The Parisienne fell in love with northern Minnesota and the BWCA and is writing a book along with famed photographer, Jim Brandenberg, about the remaining traces of France and French culture in Minnesota. Most Minnesotans know the state motto, L’Étoile du Nord, but do you know the motto of Minneapolis? It’ En Avant (Forward). The book and film will explore many French influences here. It is destined for both the American and French public.

Mary Dibbern, Head of Music at the Minnesota Opera, is our guest this evening. Mary will speak of the new opera, Silent Night, which will premier at the Ordway November 12 and will have only 5 performances, ending with the 2:00 PM matinée on November20. The opera is based on a French film, Joyeux Noël which depicts the true event of the truce on Christmas Eve, 1914, when Allied Forces and the Prussians laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas.